Steampunk, Italian Style — Two Parts Italy

Steampunk is a type of science fiction that transports us not to the future but back to the past. Back to an era of Victorian style combined with early industrial era mechanical devices.

It’s almost as if a person in the 18th century was looking 100 years into the future and imagining what the world would be like. Machines powered by steam, dark magic, devices made of bronze, time travelers, flying machines, good guys and evil.

Steampunk fashion reflects this in its elaborate Victorian style costumes embellished with all sorts of mechanical Industrial Revolution era devices. Think ladies in dresses with corsets, lace, and full skirts. Victorian, but with an edgy feel.

Picture men in brocade suits, breeches, leather vests or jackets, top hats, and boots. Men and women both sport goggles - they seem to be hallmarks of Steampunk style

And it’s not just the adults - Steampunk kids are beautifully costumed as well.

Now, add in the industrial bits: clocks, gears, pocket watches, moveable wings, mechanical arms, metal face masks, fancy canes and weapons.

One of my favorite parts of Lucca Comics and Games is the Steampunk Italia group which has a big presence throughout the event. This year, there were 3 separate Steampunk gathering days. All took place in Piazza San Michele and were followed by a parade through the center of Lucca. Many of the participants wore different costumes on different days – some days black, other days white, one day even an a Puccini opera theme.

The costumes were elaborate, very individual, and nothing short of amazing. I can’t even guess at the number of hours that go into crafting each one. The little details – mechanical arms, elaborate face masks, industrial style devices strapped to backs, arms, embellished hats, fancy canes – just wow!